Transmit circuit for imaging with ultrasound

ABSTRACT

A digital-to-analog converter with differential outputs is connected to two difference amplifiers through current splitters. The current splitters isolate the compliance voltage of the digital-to-analog converter so that larger resistances may be used with the difference amplifiers. The larger resistances allow for better signal-to-noise ratio performance of the transmit circuit. The difference amplifiers provide current signals to a push-pull output amplifier through their supply nodes. A single scaling resistor connects between the conventional outputs of two differential amplifiers to reduce mismatching between the positive and negative waveform paths. As a result of the feedback between the two difference amplifiers, a lower level of subharmonic and/or harmonic distortion products is achieved.

BACKGROUND

[0001] This invention relates to ultrasound transmit circuits. In particular, ultrasound transmit circuits for generating bi-polar ultrasound waveforms are provided.

[0002] For medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging, high current and high voltage amplifiers generate bi-polar waveforms. A wide bandwidth of operation of the amplifiers is used. However, operation of the transmit amplifiers may generate even order distortion products, i.e., such a components at a second harmonic or subharmonics of the fundamental frequency of the bi-polar waveform. The subharmonics and/or harmonics generate undesirable echoes where an ultrasound system is designed to receive valuable information generated by tissue.

[0003] Push-pull amplifiers have been used to reduce even order distortion in transmitted ultrasound waveforms. FIG. 1 shows a push-pull amplifier 100 disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,895,306. The push-pull amplifier 100 includes two class A cascode amplifiers 102 and 104 connected in a push-pull relationship with an output transformer 106. Each cascode amplifier includes two transistors 108, 112 and 110, 114. Two transistors 108, 110 are connected in a common base configuration, and the other two transistors 112, 114 operate as common emitter stages.

[0004] A network 116 of resistors 124, 126, 138 and a capacitor 118 provides a feedback loop for the push-pull amplifier 100. The network 116 detects differences in the output of the two cascode amplifiers 102, 104 as a function of the current at the center tap 132 of the transformer 106. Any difference at the center tap 132 generates a voltage at the bases of the transistors 108, 110. The voltage is applied to the bases of the transistors 112 and 114 through the capacitor 118 to equalize the cascode amplifiers transfer function. The network 116 provides negative feedback, and the resistors 124, 126 and 138 establish a DC operating voltage. Two input sources 128, 130 provide a signal of the same amplitude but 180° out of phase to the cascode amplifiers 102, 104. An inductor 134 isolates the feedback path for the network 116 from a supply voltage 136.

[0005] Harmonic and/or subharmonic distortion produced by the two cascode amplifiers 102 and 104 are substantially identical when the fundamental output of the cascode amplifiers 102, 104 are of the same amplitude. The signals output by the cascode amplifiers 102, 104 are equal and opposite. Any even harmonics generated by the cascode amplifiers 102, 104 are cancelled in the output transformer 106. However, any difference in the fundamental waveforms generates a feedback signal. The feedback signal is in phase with respect to the branch with the lower output amplitude and out of phase for the branch with the higher output amplitude. The feedback signal tends to equalize the output of the two branches of the push-pull amplifier 100.

[0006] This push-pull amplifier 100 is a Class A amplifier. Class A amplifiers have high quiescent power dissipation, resulting in low efficiency. Higher efficiency is achieved by Class B amplification. For Class B amplification, each path provides output for alternate time periods. The positive and negative portions of the bi-polar waveform are separated for amplification. Consequently, subharmonic and/or harmonic distortions in a Class B amplifier cannot be cancelled by the feedback signal. To reduce these distortions, the two paths are matched in gain and phase.

[0007] A high efficiency linear transmit circuit for ultrasound diagnostic imaging is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,104,673 and is shown in FIG. 2. The transmit circuit 200 operates over a wide frequency bandwidth. The transmit circuit 200 includes a programmable waveform generator (PWG) 202, two digital-to-analog converters 210, 212, a respective pair of current amplifiers or drivers 214, 216 and an output amplifier 218. The output amplifier includes a pair of transistors 222 and 224, and a transformer 220.

[0008] The PWG 202 generates separate unipolar waveforms representing positive and negative portions of the desired bi-polar ultrasound waveform. One unipolar waveform is output on bus 206 to a digital-to-analog converter 212, and the other unipolar waveform is output on bus 208 to digital-to-analog converter 210. A sign bit is output on line 204 to enable operation of the digital-to-analog converters 210 and 212. The two transistors 222 and 224 are connected in a common gate configuration. An external voltage source 226 provides gate biasing. A center tap of the primary winding of the transformer 220 is tied to a high voltage power supply 228. Since the transmit circuit 200 includes two open loop signal paths for respective positive and negative portions of the bi-polar transmit waveform, the components in each path should be closely matched to avoid harmonic and/or subharmonic distortion.

[0009] In order to transmit a waveform with a Gaussian envelope (FIG. 4A), the current-output DACs 210 and 212 are intended to produce a pair of signals shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, respectively. Having ideally matched signal paths, transmit signal, U(t), is combined as the algebraic difference of positive, U⁺(t), and negative, U⁻(t), portions in accordance with:

U(t)=U ⁺(t)−U ⁻(t)   (1)

[0010] Assume further that there is a gain mismatch between the two signal paths, denoted as δ=ΔG/G. In such a case, a “distorted” transmit signal, U_(D)(t), yields

U _(D)(t)=U(t)+δ[U ⁺(t)+U ⁻(t)]  (2)

[0011] The second term of Equation 2 will produce even order distortion products. For instance, given the waveform with the Gaussian envelope, the resulting spectrum expands as shown in FIG. 4D.

[0012] In practice, the purity of a transmitted waveform is estimated with the Linear Response Rejection Ratio (LRRR). The LRRR is defined as the ratio of the energy under matched filters that are centered at fundamental and the second harmonic frequencies. For a Gaussian envelope, the LRRR can be easily computed. The obtained results (FIG. 4E) show that the prior art transmit cell 200 is quite sensitive to the gain mismatch. Using a dual DAC topology has a significant drawback since the level of gain mismatch is twice as much higher. This is particularly meaningful because DACs, even high-resolution DACs, may have gain error up to few % of the full scale.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0013] The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be taken as a limitation on those claims. By way of introduction, the preferred embodiments described below include a method and system for generating a bi-polar ultrasound transmit waveform. A digital-to-analog converter with differential outputs is connected to two difference amplifiers by current splitters. The difference amplifiers provide current signals to the push-pull output amplifier for generating a desired bi-polar ultrasound waveform. A resistor connecting between the conventional outputs of two differential amplifiers specifies the voltage-to-current scaling factor for both amplifiers. Employing a single resistor, both positive and negative portions of a waveform are uniformly processed. The current splitters allow the digital-to-analog converter to have a low compliance voltage, such as 0.2 or 0.3 volts for an integrated converter, while the difference amplifiers operate at higher voltages for better signal-to-noise ratio performance.

[0014] In a first aspect, an ultrasound transmit circuit for generating a bi-polar waveform is provided. An output of a digital-to-analog converter connects with a first current splitter. An ultrasound transducer operatively connects to receive a signal responsive to the digital-to-analog converter.

[0015] In a second aspect, an ultrasound transmit circuit for generating a bi-polar waveform includes an output amplifier having first and second inputs. First and second difference amplifiers have respective first and second supply nodes connected with the first and second inputs, respectively. An ultrasound transducer connects with the output amplifier. First and second current splitters connect with inputs of the first and second difference amplifiers. A digital-to-analog converter has differential outputs. A first one of the differential outputs connects with the first current splitter, and a second one of the differential outputs connects with the second current splitter.

[0016] In a third aspect, a method for generating a bi-polar ultrasound waveform with an ultrasound transmit circuit is provided. A current from a digital to analog converter is split. An output amplifier is driven in response to at least part of the split current. The bi-polar ultrasound waveform in response to the driven output amplifier.

[0017] Further aspects and advantages of the invention are discussed below in conjunction with the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a Class A amplifier used for an ultrasound transmit circuit.

[0019]FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a Class B amplifier used for an ultrasound transmit circuit.

[0020]FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of one embodiment of an ultrasound transmit circuit.

[0021]FIG. 4A shows one embodiment of a transmit waveform.

[0022]FIGS. 4B and 4C are driving signals for a push-pull Class B stage to produce the waveform shown in FIG. 4A.

[0023]FIG. 4D illustrates distortion of a transmit spectrum caused by the gain mismatch using the waveforms of FIGS. 4A-C in the circuit of FIG. 2.

[0024]FIG. 4E is a graph of Linear Response Rejection Ratio verses gain mismatch using the waveforms of FIGS. 4A-C in the circuit of FIG. 2.

[0025]FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of an ultrasound transmit circuit.

[0026]FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of yet another embodiment of an ultrasound transmit circuit.

[0027]FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the effects of a mismatch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Several embodiments provide reduced level of harmonic and/or subharmonic distortion for class B ultrasound amplifiers. In a first embodiment, a single digital-to-analog converter is used to avoid inaccuracies associated with different full-scale amplitudes caused by separate digital-to-analog converters for each path. A switch connects the output of the digital-to-analog converter to one of two current drivers for driving a Class B amplifier. The current drivers include amplifiers with feedback, allowing control of current gain in the current driver.

[0029] In a second embodiment, a single digital-to-analog converter with a differential output connects with two difference amplifiers. Supply nodes of the differential amplifiers drive a Class B output amplifier. A resistor connects between the conventional outputs of the two differential amplifiers for uniform scaling the two paths, avoiding generation of harmonic and/or subharmonic distortion. To allow for digital-to-analog converters with lower compliance voltages, current splitters connect between each of the outputs of the digital-to-analogy converters and the differential amplifiers.

[0030] Both embodiments provide broadband high power ultrasound transmit amplifiers effective for reducing even order distortion. Arbitrary waveforms may be amplified by this low cost circuitry. Initial balancing of circuits is avoided. The circuit topology minimizes gain and phase mismatch between two signal paths driving the push-pull output amplifier. Different load impedances may also be connected without generating harmonic and/or subharmonic distortion.

[0031]FIG. 3 shows an ultrasound transmit circuit 500 using a switch 510. In one embodiment, the ultrasound transmit circuit 500 is used for medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging. The ultrasound transmit circuit 500 includes a programmable waveform generator (PWG) 502, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 508, the switch 510, first and second current drivers 512, 514, an output amplifier 516 and a transducer element 517. Additional, fewer or different components may be used.

[0032] The PWG 502 comprises a memory and associated circuitry for generating a digital representation of an ultrasound transmit waveform. In one embodiment, the PWG 502 comprises the circuitry shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,104,673, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. For example, a memory, multipliers, delay buffers, adders, and other circuitry generate a digital representation of a modulated bi-polar ultrasound waveform from envelope samples output from the memory. In alternative embodiments, a processor, digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit, or memory output any subset or entire representation of the bi-polar ultrasound waveform to the DAC 508.

[0033] The PWG 502 outputs the digital representation to the DAC 508 on a bus 506. The PWG 502 also outputs a switch control signal on the line 504 to the switch 510. The switch control signal comprises a polarity sign bit. The polarity sign bit distinguishes between positive and negative portions of the digital representation of the bi-polar waveform. For example, the PWG 502 generates a digital representation comprising a unipolar waveform where portions of the unipolar waveforms represent the magnitude (module) of negative and positive portions of the desired bi-polar ultrasound waveform.

[0034] The DAC 508 comprises a current output single ended digital-to-analog converter. Other digital-to-analog converters may be used. In one embodiment, the DAC 508 is operable to receive 8 bits of data representing an amplitude at any given time, but different resolutions may be provided. The data on the output bus 506 is converted into an analog ultrasound waveform by the DAC 508.

[0035] The switch 510 comprises a high-speed single-pole double-throw analog switch (FET or CMOS), 2-channel multiplexer, a differential amplifier, or other switch device. In this embodiment, the switch includes an input 518 and two outputs 520 and 522. The switch 510 receives the analog waveform from the digital-to-analog converter 508.

[0036] The switch 510 also includes a control signal input 524. The polarity information controls the switch 510. In response to the polarity signal, the switch 510 selects between the two outputs 520 and 522. The portion of the waveform representing the positive portion of the desired bi-polar transmit waveform is routed to the first current driver 512, and the portion of the waveform representing the negative portion of the desired bi-polar waveform is routed to the second current driver 514.

[0037] The first and second current drivers 512 and 514 receive signals corresponding to positive and negative portions respectively, of the desired bi-polar waveform. Each current driver 512, 514 comprises a closed loop current mirror. In one embodiment, each of the current drivers 512, 514 comprise an operational amplifier 526, 528, two resistors 534, 536, 548 and 550 and a transistor 530, 532. The transistors 530, 532 act as series pass devices. One resistor 548, 550 connected between the switch 510 and ground comprises a load resistor, and another resistor connected between the operational amplifier and ground in a feedback loop comprises a scaling resistor. The gain of the current driver is a function of the ratio of the load resistor to the scaling resistor. In one embodiment, the scaling resistor has a low resistance, such as 0.5 to 2 ohms, for use with high current, such as a few amps. Other currents and resistances may be used. In one embodiment, unity gain or a gain of 1 is used, but other gains may be provided. The resistors in each of the current drivers 512, 514 are matched to the resistances of the other current driver 512, 514.

[0038] The transistors 530, 532 comprise a MOSFET transistor connected in a common gate configuration. In an alternative embodiment, a bipolar transistor in a common base configurations is used. In other alternative embodiments, different current drivers, such as conventional current mirrors, are provided.

[0039] Each current driver 512, 514 comprises a path or channel for driving the output amplifier 516. One path is responsive to waveforms representing the positive portion of the desired bi-polar ultrasound waveform, and the other path is responsive to waveforms representing the negative portion of the desired bi-polar ultrasound waveform. In one embodiment, the input waveforms representing both the positive and negative portions of the bi-polar waveform are unipolar positive waveforms. Alternatively, unipolar negative waveforms may be input.

[0040] The output amplifier 516 comprises a Class B push-pull amplifier stage. The output amplifier 516 is a transformer-coupled amplifier, including a transformer 538, two transistors 540, 542 and two voltage supplies 546 and 544. The transformer 538 may have any winding ratio, such as a 1.5 to 1 step down ratio. The center tap of the primary winding of the transformer 538 connects with a DC voltage source 546. Since the unipolar waveforms representing respective positive and negative portions of the bi-polar waveform are applied to different sides of the transformer 538, the bi-polar ultrasound waveform is generated at the output of the transformer 538.

[0041] The voltage source 546 connected to the transformer 538 comprises a high voltage DC power supply. For example, the voltage source 546 comprises a voltage divider, a battery, or other source of DC voltage. In one embodiment, the voltage source 546 provides about 100 volts, but other higher or lower voltages may be provided.

[0042] The transistors 540, 542 comprise MOSFETS or bi-polar junction transistors. Other types of transistors may be used. The transistors 540 and 542 are connected in a common gate (base) configuration. The transistors 540 and 542 are biased by the voltage source 544.

[0043] The voltage source 544 connected to the transistors 540, 542 comprises a voltage divider, a battery, or other device for providing biasing DC voltage. In one embodiment, the bias voltage is 10 to 15 volts, but higher or lower biasing voltages may be used.

[0044] The transistor 540, 542 of the output amplifier 516 and the transistors 530, 532 of the current drivers 512, 514 comprise two cascode amplifiers. In effect, a cascode amplifier is provided in each of two channels associated with respective ones of the current drivers 512, 514. The cascaded transistors 530, 532, 540, 542 provide a low capacitive load to the operational amplifiers 526, 528, expanding the effective bandwidth of the operational amplifiers 526, 528 or allowing amplifiers with lesser driving capabilities.

[0045] The transducer element 517 receives the bi-polar ultrasound waveform from the output amplifier 516. The transducer element 517 comprises a piezoelectric, micro-electromechanical membrane, or other transducer device for converting electrical energy to acoustic energy. In one embodiment, the transducer element 517 is one of an array of transducer elements. Each element of the array is connected with a different output amplifier.

[0046] In operation, the transmit circuit 500 generates a bi-polar ultrasound waveform, such as shown in FIG. 4A. The unipolar waveforms shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C are combined in the PWG 502 and their superposition provided by the digital-to-analog converter 508. In alternative embodiments, negative unipolar waveforms are generated. The unipolar waveform shown in FIG. 4B represents the positive portions of the desired bi-polar waveform, and the unipolar waveform shown in FIG. 4C represents the negative portions of the desired bi-polar waveform shown in FIG. 4A. Arbitrary waveforms having different envelopes, amplitudes or frequencies may be used.

[0047] The PWG 502 generates data corresponding to a unipolar waveform representing the desired bi-polar ultrasound waveform. Bits of data representing magnitude information are provided to the digital-to-analog converter 508. The digital-to-analog converter 508 applies an equivalent analog current to the input terminal 518 of the switch 510.

[0048] The switch 510 also receives a sign control bit or indication of the positive or negative portion of the bi-polar waveform represented by the unipolar waveform. In response to this indication, the switch 510 switches between the two outputs 520, 522. For example, the unipolar waveform of FIG. 4B is switched to one current driver 512. The other portion of the unipolar waveform as represented in FIG. 4C is switched to the other current driver 514.

[0049] One current driver 512 amplifies the unipolar waveform representing the positive portion of the desired bi-polar waveform, and the other current driver 514 amplifies the unipolar waveform representing the negative portion of the desired bi-polar waveform. When not amplifying the current, each current driver 512, 514 is grounded through the loading resistor 548, 550. Both amplified currents are provided to the output amplifier 516.

[0050] The output amplifier 516 transforms the two unipolar waveforms into the bi-polar ultrasound waveform shown in FIG. 4A or another bipolar waveform. The unipolar waveform representing the positive portion of the bi-polar waveform is provided to one end of the primary winding of the transformer 538, and the unipolar waveform representing the negative portion of the desired bi-polar waveform is provided to the other end of the primary winding of the transformer 538. Being fed by the voltage source 546 at the center tap of the primary winding, the transformer 538 outputs the desired bi-polar ultrasound waveform.

[0051] The closed loop current mirrors or current drivers 512, 514 provide stable and properly matched current gain for both signal paths as a function of the scaling resistors 534, 536. Well matched current gain reduces even order harmonic distortions. By calibrating the resistances of 534, 536, the difference between two paths may be additionally corrected.

[0052] To further reduce even order distortion, a topology with a single scaling resistor is provided. One embodiment using a single scaling resistor and a single DAC is shown in FIG. 5. The ultrasound transmit circuit 600 uses similar components as the ultrasound transmit circuit 500 of FIG. 3. The discussion of these common components for FIG. 3 applies to this discussion for FIG. 5. The transmit circuit 600 includes a programmable waveform generator 602, a digital-to-analog converter 604, current drivers 608, 610, a scaling resistor 612, an output amplifier 606, and a transducer element 607. Additional, fewer or different components may be used.

[0053] The PWG 602 comprises the circuitry disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,104,673 altered to output digital data representing a bi-polar transmit signal, arranged by an offset binary code. In the analog domain, the bi-polar transmit signal corresponds to an unipolar waveform with a DC offset. Other coding or data representing bipolar signals may be provided.

[0054] The DAC 604 comprises a communications DAC or other digital-to-analog converter with two complementary outputs. The complementary outputs comprise differential outputs of the inverse of the same waveform. In alternative embodiments, a digital-to-analog converter 604 with a single output and an inverter connected with the output may be used to provide the differential outputs.

[0055] Each of the current drivers 608, 610 comprises a difference amplifier. Each difference amplifier comprises an operational amplifier 624, 626 and two pairs of match resistors labeled R1 and R2. In one embodiment, the resistors RI are about 100 ohms, but other resistance values may be used. The resistors R2 are 100 to 1K ohms, but other resistance values may be used. A unity gain with respect to both the inverted and non-inverted inputs from the digital-to-analog converter 604 is provided. The difference amplifiers comprise level shift circuits converting the differential signal provided by the digital-to-analog converter 604 to a single ended bipolar output relative to the ground.

[0056] The inverted output of the digital-to-analog converter 604 is provided as a positive input to one of the operational amplifiers 626 and as a negative input to the other operational amplifier 624. The non-inverted output of the digital-to-analog converter 604 connects to the other inputs of the two operational amplifiers 624, 626. The current drivers include inverted input 628, 630 and non-inverted inputs 632, 634 corresponding to the connections with the operational amplifiers discussed above. With the unity gain, the output 636, 638 of each of the operational amplifiers 624, 626 is zero if both input voltages are equal. For the offset binary code output by the PWG 602, the differential outputs of the DAC 604 have a same voltage or current when the transmitted waveform crosses zero. Given the desired bi-polar waveform, the conventional outputs 636, 638 of the difference amplifiers of the current drivers 608, 610 comprise bi-polar waveforms centered around 0. Since the current driver 608 and 610 are driven in reverse, their conventional outputs 636, 638 are in opposite polarity.

[0057] The scaling resistor 612 connects between the conventional outputs 636 and 638 of the operational amplifiers 624, 626. In one embodiment, a resistor with 1 to 5 ohms of resistance is directly connected between the outputs 636, 638. In alternative embodiments, different resistances or additional network elements may be connected with the scaling resistor 612. The single scaling resistor 612 or network provide a same or substantially same transfer function for each of the current driver 608, 610.

[0058] The operational amplifiers 624 and 626 include positive supply nodes 640 and 642 and negative supply nodes 644 and 646. The negative supply node 644 and 646 are connected to a common voltage source or different voltage sources providing a same or substantially same voltage. The positive supply nodes 640, 642 are connected to drive the output amplifier 606. In alternative embodiments, the negative supply nodes 644, 646 connect with the output amplifier 606, and the positive supply node 640, 642 connect with a common voltage source.

[0059] The positive supply nodes 640, 642 comprise bias ports that provide oppositely phased current signals to drive the output amplifier 606. The operational amplifiers 624, 626 separate their output current into positive and negative components using complementary Class B output stages. Positive and negative components of the input waveform are separated onto respective positive and negative supply nodes 640, 642, 644, 646. The magnitude of the current is responsive to the resistance of the scaling resistor 612. Since the output 636, 638 of the operational amplifier 624 and 626 are in reverse or opposite phase of each other, the positive supply nodes 640 and 642 drive a pair of in-phase current signals associated with positive and negative portions of the desired bi-polar ultrasound waveform.

[0060] The output amplifier 606 receives the driving current signals that are equalized for gain and phase in response to the two substantially identical closed loop difference amplifiers of the current driver 608 and 610. In response, the output amplifier 606 generates the desired bi-polar ultrasound waveform. The ultrasound waveform is provided to the transducer element 607 for transmission of acoustic energy.

[0061] The scaling resistor 612 scales the current provided to the output amplifier 606 and provides more efficient matching of the gain of the two current driver 608 and 610. Using a single digital-to-analog converter 604 and the scaling resistor 612 connected with both current drivers 608 and 610, even order distortion generated by the transmit circuit 600 is reduced.

[0062] Various components, such as the active components of the current drivers 608 and 610, output amplifier 606 and/or DAC 604, are integrated in one embodiment. For example, an application specific integrated circuit includes the various active components.

[0063] The compliance voltage for an integrated DAC 604 or a separate DAC 604 limits the input signal range applied to the current drivers 608 and 610. For example, the compliance voltage may be rated at 1 volt or below, such as a 0.2 or 0.3 volt rating for a integrated current source DAC operable at high frequencies. Setting the scaling resistor 612 appropriately, the above limitation may not adversely effect the transmitter output span. A large span of output voltages is desired for ultrasound imaging where the transmitter circuit 600 is used for both high voltage B-mode imaging and lower voltage continuous wave (CW) Doppler imaging. To provide larger voltage outputs, the resistances R1 and R2 are increased. However, the compliance voltage limits the resistances that may be used. As the compliance voltage becomes lower, the current driver's spot noise results in deterioration of the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The SNR deterioration has less adverse effects for high voltage B-mode transmissions than CW Doppler transmissions. CW Doppler normally operates at lesser power levels (e.g., up to −20 . . . 30 dB in voltage). In such a case, the SNR reduction due to the inadequate input signal range may be noticeable.

[0064]FIG. 6 shows a transmit circuit 700 similar to the transmit circuit 600 of FIG. 5, but with signal splitters 648, 650 between the differential outputs of the DAC 604 and the drivers 608, 610. This embodiment of the transmit circuit 700 uses the single scaling resistor 612 and the single differential DAC 604 as shown in FIG. 5. The current drivers 608 and 610 of the transmit circuit 700 connect with the output amplifier 606 as discussed above for the transmit circuit 600 of FIG. 5. For brevity, the description of common components, their alternatives and interconnections is not repeated. The discussion below addresses the differences between the transmit circuit 700 of FIG. 6 and the transmit circuit 600 of FIG. 5.

[0065] Each of the current splitters 648 and 650 are a pair of transistors 652. Any of various now know or later developed transistors 652, such as PNP, NPN, Mosfet, bi-polar or other transistors may be used. In one embodiment, each current splitter 648 and 650 is a pair of matched transistors 652, but unmatched transistors 652 may be used. The pair of transistors 652 of each current splitter 648, 650 have a common emitter terminal, a common base terminal, and two collector terminals. The pair of transistors 652 have commonly connected emitters and bases. The common base terminals are grounded in a grounded-base configuration. The common emitter terminals connect to one of the outputs of the DAC 604. A positive input 632 of the first operational amplifier 624 connects with the collector terminal of the one current splitter 648 while the negative input 628 connects with the collector terminal of the other current splitter 650. The second operational amplifier 626 employs the same type of coupling as shown.

[0066] In operation, the DAC 604 in combination with the current splitters 648 and 650 act as cascode amplifiers. The DAC 604 drives the emitter terminals while the base terminals are grounded. The transistors 652 of the current splitters 648 are always on. The DAC current is split between the two collector terminals of the corresponding current splitter 648, 650.

[0067] Each of the current drivers 608, 610 is an operational amplifier 624, 626 and a pair of matched resistors labeled R. The resistors R are 100 to 1K ohms. The resistors R1 and R2 of FIG. 5 between the DAC 604 and the operational amplifiers 624 and 626 are not provided, but are included in alternative embodiments. The operational amplifiers 624 and 626 include positive supply nodes 640 and 642 and negative supply nodes 644 and 646. The positive supply nodes 640, 642 are connected to drive the output amplifier 606. The negative supply nodes 644 and 646 connect to a common voltage source V₃. The resistors R connected with the positive input 632 and 634 connect to a biasing voltage source V₄. The absolute value of V₄ is less than the absolute value of V₃. For example, V₄ is −3 volts and V₃ is −5 volts. In alternative embodiments, V₄ is a zero or ground potential.

[0068] The inputs of the operational amplifiers 624 and 626 are cross-coupled. The inverted output of the DAC 604 is provided as a positive input to one of the operational amplifiers 626 and as a negative input to the other operational amplifier 624. The non-inverted output of the DAC 604 connects to the other inputs of the two operational amplifiers 624, 626. Both the inverted and non-inverted inputs of the operational amplifiers 624, 626 convert the input current to an output voltage. The differential current signal provided by the DAC 604 is translated to single-ended bipolar signals at terminals 636 and 638 relative to the biasing power supply V₄.

[0069] The current splitters 648 and 650 allow large resistances R for the current drivers 608, 610 without SNR problems due to the compliance voltage limitations of the DAC 604. Driving a common-base stage, the DAC output voltage is kept within a few tenths of a volt. Given the DAC current range, the voltage span at the collectors of the current splitters 648 and 650 is directly proportional to the resistance R. Increasing R improves the resulting SNR.

[0070] An ideally matched transistor pair 652 equally splits the current from the DAC 604 (e.g., a 50/50 division of the DAC's output current). Alternatively, the transistors 652 in one or both of the current splitters 648 and 650 mismatch. Any mismatch causes common-mode limitations, so no or little current in the resistor 612 connecting the outputs of the operational amplifiers is generated.

[0071] Let I_(M) denote the full-scale output range of the differential DAC 604 for each output. The provided differential signal crosses zero at an I_(M)/2 point. In such a case, the inverted and non-inverted outputs of the DAC 604, I₁ and I₂, are expressed as: $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {I_{1} = {\frac{I_{M}}{2} - \delta}} \\ {I_{2} = {\frac{I_{M}}{2} + \delta}} \end{matrix} & (1) \end{matrix}$

[0072] where δ is the magnitude of an alternating current component referred to a DC bias of I_(M)/2. In operation, δ≦I_(M)/2. Thus, if δ=I_(M) /2→I ₁=0 and I₂=I_(M).

[0073] For a 50/50 split, the inverted and non-inverted inputs of both difference amplifiers 608 and 610 are driven by I₁/2 and I₂/2 in inverse. In practice, a spitting error, γ, is caused by a mismatch. FIG. 7 shows the currents where the splitting error range is limited by |γ|_(MAX)=½. Substituting Equation 1, a nodal analysis at the inverted and non-inverted inputs yields: $\begin{matrix} \begin{matrix} {U_{1} = {\left\lbrack {{\left( {\frac{I_{M}}{2} - \delta} \right) \cdot \left( {\frac{1}{2} + \gamma_{2}} \right)} - {\left( {\frac{I_{M}}{2} + \delta} \right) \cdot \left( {\frac{1}{2} - \gamma_{1}} \right)}} \right\rbrack \cdot R}} \\ {U_{2} = {\left\lbrack {{\left( {\frac{I_{M}}{2} + \delta} \right) \cdot \left( {\frac{1}{2} + \gamma_{1}} \right)} - {\left( {\frac{I_{M}}{2} - \delta} \right) \cdot \left( {\frac{1}{2} - \gamma_{2}} \right)}} \right\rbrack \cdot R}} \\ {{or}\text{:}} \end{matrix} & (2) \\ \begin{matrix} {U_{1} = {\left\lbrack {{- \delta} + {\frac{I_{M}}{2} \cdot \left( {\gamma_{1} + \gamma_{2}} \right)} + {\delta \cdot \left( {\gamma_{1} - \gamma_{2}} \right)}} \right\rbrack \cdot R}} \\ {U_{2} = {\left\lbrack {{+ \delta} + {\frac{I_{M}}{2} \cdot \left( {\gamma_{1} + \gamma_{2}} \right)} + {\delta \cdot \left( {\gamma_{1} - \gamma_{2}} \right)}} \right\rbrack \cdot R}} \end{matrix} & (3) \end{matrix}$

[0074] Equation 3 shows that the splitting errors cause a direct current offset at the output nodes 636, 638 of the operational amplifiers 624 and 626. The amount of this offset, U_(OFF), is $\begin{matrix} {U_{OFF} = {\left\lbrack {{\frac{I_{M}}{2} \cdot \left( {\gamma_{1} + \gamma_{2}} \right)} + {\delta \cdot \left( {\gamma_{1} - \gamma_{2}} \right)}} \right\rbrack \cdot R}} & (4) \end{matrix}$

[0075] The transmit current is defined by the voltage across the scaling resistor R_(S). This voltage is:

U ₁ −U ₂=−2·R·δ  (5)

[0076] The transmit circuit 700 has zero or little sensitivity to splitting errors. To avoid clipping the output, the supply voltages V₂ and V₃ are rated to provide room for any expected DC offset.

[0077] While the invention has been described above by reference to various embodiments, it would be understood that many changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, different current drivers or output amplifier configurations may be used. Different digital waveforms generators may be used for providing a digital representation to the digital-to-analog converter. Additional amplifiers and transistors may also be used. The polarity of the supply nodes of the differential amplifiers and associated voltage sources may be reversed. Likewise, the polarity of the cross-coupled inputs of the differential amplifiers or the outputs of the DAC may be reversed. Any of various analog and/or digital devices may be added, such as connecting between components described above.

[0078] It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be understood as an illustration of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and not as a definition of the invention. It is only the following claims or added claims, including all equivalents, that are intended to define the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An ultrasound transmit circuit for generating a bi-polar waveform, the circuit comprising: a first current splitter; a digital-to-analog converter having an output connected with the first current splitter; and an ultrasound transducer operatively connected to receive a signal responsive to the digital-to-analog converter.
 2. The circuit of claim 1 further comprising a second current splitter wherein the digital-to-analog converter comprises a differential digital-to-analog converter, the first current splitter connected with one of a plurality of differential outputs of the digital-to-analog converter and the second current splitter connected with another of the plurality of differential outputs of the digital-to-analog converter.
 3. The circuit of claim 2 wherein a first positive input of a first operational amplifier connects with a first collector terminal of the first current splitter while a first negative input of the first operational amplifier connects with a first collector terminal of the second current splitter.
 4. The circuit of claim 3 wherein a second positive input of a second operational amplifier connects with a second collector terminal of the second current splitter while a second negative input of the second operational amplifier connects with a second collector terminal of the first current splitter.
 5. The circuit of claim 1 wherein the first current splitter comprises first and second transistors with commonly connected emitters and bases where the commonly connected bases are grounded and where the commonly connected emitters connect to the output of the digital-to-analog converter output.
 6. The circuit of claim 1 further comprising an output amplifier connected between the first current splitter and the ultrasound transducer.
 7. The circuit of claim 1 further comprising first and second current drivers connected between the first current splitter and the ultrasound transducer.
 8. The circuit of claim 7 further comprising a resistor connected between the first and second current drivers.
 9. The circuit of claim 8 further comprising a transformer-coupled amplifier connected with the first and second current drivers; wherein the first and second current drivers comprise first and second difference amplifiers, respectively, where a positive input of the first difference amplifier connects with the first current splitter and a negative input of the second difference amplifier connects with the first current splitter; wherein the resistor connects with conventional outputs of the first and second difference amplifiers, respectively; and wherein first and second supply nodes of the first and second difference amplifiers, respectively, connect with the transformer-coupled amplifier, and third and fourth supply nodes of the first and second difference amplifiers, respectively, connect with a voltage source.
 10. The circuit of claim 8 wherein a positive input of the first current driver connects to the first current splitter and to a resistor; and further comprising a voltage source connected with the resistor.
 11. An ultrasound transmit circuit for generating a bi-polar waveform, the circuit comprising: an output amplifier having first and second inputs; first and second difference amplifiers having respective first and second supply nodes connected with the first and second inputs, respectively; an ultrasound transducer connected with the output amplifier; first and second current splitters connected with inputs of the first and second difference amplifiers; and a digital-to-analog converter having differential outputs, a first one of the differential outputs connected with the first current splitter and a second one of the differential outputs connected with the second current splitter.
 12. The circuit of claim 11 wherein the first current splitter comprises first and second transistors and the second current splitter comprises third and fourth transistors, the first one of the differential outputs connected with the first and second transistors, the second one of the differential outputs connected with the third and fourth transistors, the first transistor connected with a positive input of the first difference amplifier, the second transistor connected with a negative input of the second difference amplifier, the third transistor connected with a negative input of the first difference amplifier, and the fourth transistor connected with a positive input of the second difference amplifier.
 13. The circuit of claim 11 further comprising a resistor connected between first and second outputs of the first and second difference amplifiers, respectively.
 14. The circuit of claim 11 further comprising a first resistor connected between an input of the first difference amplifier and a voltage source and a second resistor connected between an input of the second difference amplifier and the voltage source.
 15. A method for generating a bi-polar ultrasound waveform with an ultrasound transmit circuit, the method comprising: (a) splitting a current from a digital to analog converter; (b) driving an output amplifier in response to at least part of the split current; and (c) generating the bi-polar ultrasound waveform in response to (b).
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein (a) comprises splitting the current at about a 50/50 ratio.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein (b) comprises driving the output amplifier with supply currents of first and second difference amplifiers responsive to the split current; and further comprising (d) scaling supply currents of the first and the second difference amplifiers as a function of a resistor connected between first and second outputs of the first and second difference amplifiers, respectively.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein (a) comprises splitting a first current from a first output of the digital-to-analog converter and splitting a second current from a second output of the digital-to-analog converter, and wherein (b) comprises driving the output amplifier with first and second differential amplifiers each responsive to split first and second currents. 